(From company literature) Manfrotto 055CL. The 055 Classic is one of the most versatile and popular tripods in the Manfrotto range. This specific version is lightweight and portable enough to take in the field, ideal for a medium format and SLR cameras both digital or traditional. Combined with a Manfrotto 3 way head it becomes one of the most popular support for cameras and spotting scopes in the world. Diameter legs in mm: 30, 25, 20. Available in silver or black.

Features:

• Very sturdy and stable
• Broad working height range from very low to very high
• High load capacity
• Easy and intuitive to use
• Versatile product for all-round use
• World-wide spares and service back-up

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $150.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

Features, stability, price

Cons:

Weight - relative to carbon fiber

I purchased this tripod for use with a 35 mm film SLR and D-SLR (Nikon D200) with a variety of short and longer telephoto zoom lenses.

After researching many available options, I decided that the basic 055 legs (model 055 CLB) represented a very good compromise of the weight versus stability. These legs have a working height of over 5 feet without head, with the centre column fully down. This provides sufficient height when a camera and ball head are attached so that the centre column can be left at it's lowest, and most stable position. I found the very similar 190 model a little too short (I am just under 6' tall). Also, I found the 'pro' version of the 055, with it's ability to tilt the centre column an unnecessary feature.

The tripod definately improved the IQ of long exposure photos taken in and outdoors with exposure times from 1/8 sec up to 10 seconds relative to my previous consumer-grade 3 section aluminum tripod.

The legs I purchased were rated at 5.01 lbs in weight, which is 1-2 lbs heavier than carbon fibre equivalents, but at less than 1/2 the cost. I like the fact that the Manfrotto (Bogen) products are well made, and replacement parts and accessories (if required) are readily available.

photofanatic

Registered: December 2006Posts: 9

Manfrotto 055CL / 055CLB Classic review by photofanatic

Review Date: 12/26/2006

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $280.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

sturdy, easy to use, padded legs, lies completely flat

Cons:

a bit heavy to carry trekking

I recently bought this tripod= 3 weeks of use and I love it. Easy to use, very sturdy and well made. The tripod can go from lying flat on the ground, to holding the camera higher than me(I am 5'9'')... very useful. It is not light, and it is somewhat long and thus I am not sure how good this tripod would be for mountain trekking. However, for carrying around to various locations on moderate terrain, it is no problem. The nice thing about this tripod is that its parts are module- if something breaks, one can replace only the broken part without losing the entire tripod. Two of the legs are also wrapped in foam- helps to keep the hands slightly warmer and easier to carry against one' shoulders.

mu55ster

Registered: October 2005Posts: 10

Manfrotto 055CL / 055CLB Classic review by mu55ster

Review Date: 11/17/2006

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7

Pros:

good - strong - comparativly light

Cons:

... none really - it's a tripod

This tripod is quite possibly one of the best things i've ever bought. it's held every camera i've owned and is not holding a 6x9 monorail no problem. I have a ball head and a gear head for it and both suit it perfectly - wouldn't want a heavyer head than the geared one but you need it with a monorail. the two padded legs are a really nice and practical touch, easy on the shoulders. Tripod is also strong enough to be used as a weapon in the even of a night shoot gone wrong (yet to be proven - hope i never have to).